Groundbreaking Project Launched in English Women’s Super League to Study ACL Injury Prevention

England striker Beth Mead was sidelined by an ACL injury, sparking a groundbreaking project in the English Women’s Super League aimed at studying and preventing such injuries.

The project, launched on Tuesday, is a collaboration between players unions the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and FIFPRO, along with Nike and Leeds Beckett University. The goal is to provide funding for a three-year study to understand how to reduce the frequency of ACL injuries in professional women footballers.

Research has shown that ACL injuries are more common in women than men, with little understanding of how to prevent them in female athletes. The study will assess WSL clubs on various factors such as facilities, staff numbers, travel, and playing schedules.

FIFPRO’s head of strategy and research for women’s football, Alex Culvin, emphasized the importance of the project in meeting the needs of players and the industry. Several top women’s football stars, including England captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead, have been sidelined by ACL injuries in recent years.

England and Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze praised the initiative, highlighting the need for accurate information and research to address the issue. She stressed the importance of understanding the key factors and focus points to reduce the risk of ACL injuries in women’s football.

With the support of key stakeholders and top players, “Project ACL” aims to make a significant impact on the prevention and management of ACL injuries in professional women’s football. This collaborative effort signals a positive step towards improving player welfare and reducing the impact of such injuries on the game.